Swedish Fleet

Swedish Fleet
Svenska Flottan
Active1522–present
Country Sweden
Branch Swedish Navy
HeadquartersHaninge Garrison
March"Kungl. Flottans Paradmarsch"
Anniversaries9 July (Battle of Svensksund)

The Swedish Fleet (Swedish: Svenska flottan) is the naval warfare arm of the Swedish Navy, with an emphasis on sea control.

History

Foundation

The Swedish Fleet was established in 1522 during the Swedish War of Liberation. Its earliest mission was to protect maritime connections between the mainland and Österland.[1]

After the War of Liberation, the Fleet was rapidly expanded to meet operational demands, including naval battles, the interception of enemy merchant shipping, and the protection of Swedish overseas territories.[1]

Present

In line with its renewed role since the start of Swedish neutrality, the Fleet is equipped to defend merchant shipping and the coast against a foreign invasion. Since the end of the Cold War, it has also been equipped for international operations under the United Nations.[1]

Organisation

After the Coastal Fleet was disbanded in 1998, the Swedish Fleet has been organised into two naval warfare flotillas and one submarine flotilla:[2]

References

Sources

  • E. W., Lars (16 Jan 2024). "Svenska flottan – femhundra år av segrar och bottennapp". popularhistoria.se (in Swedish). Retrieved 20 Feb 2026.
  • SFHM (22 Feb 2023). "MARINBILAGA" (PDF). sfhm.se (in Swedish). National Swedish Museums of Military History. Retrieved 20 Feb 2026.